Educators working to achieve changes in classroom teaching practices that lead to improvement in student learning need to gain clarity in where they are going--what they want to accomplish. Teachers in a professional learning community need a road map as they begin learning and applying a new practice to ensure they reach their intended goal…

An advocate for professional learning believes deeply that it is essential for educators to not only learn throughout their careers but to use their learning to become increasingly proficient over time. The advocate buttresses this belief with knowledge of specific processes and practices that constitute effective professional learning. Some…

The Positive Deviance Approach promoted by Jerry Sternin suggests that the answer to reform must come from within an organization or community. By identifying the few who have created success already, we can find the means to amplify that success and broaden it to the larger community. Sternin explains how this approach worked to alleviate hunger…

When you examine your assumptions about teaching and learning, you may find the barriers to greater achievement aren't what you thought they were. You can learn to be a better leader and understand how one individual can make a difference if you choose to recognize that change begins with you.

Discusses the work of Larry Dixon, assistant superintendent for resources in the Junction City (Kansas) school district, who supports principals in their efforts to improve schools. The paper describes Project TurnAround Teacher, which works in a nontraditional manner to help at-risk students who are discipline problems. (SM)